Rural

At this time of year, it’s easy to fill the diary with parties, shopping and preparations for Christmas.

Cabin fever has set in. My husband is on a week’s holiday from work and the weather has been grim – heavy rain and blustery winds.

“Could I have a bag of kwin-oh-ah please?”

According to archaeologists, Dreghorn is perhaps the longest continually inhabited village in Britain.

It was said with a voice that bore a strong resemblance to that of Hattie Jacques in Doctor in the House.

It was early one October morning last year when I set off, not long after first light, for a walk around Lanfine Estate.

Sometimes the best form of self-care is simply stepping outside.

“Reggie, go and put a pound on Lester Piggott.”

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside. Especially on a dazzlingly sunny and hot July day

This 6 mile/9km route is the ideal introduction to the Ayrshire Coastal Path thanks to its mostly flat terrain, easy navigation and almost continuous sea views.